Is Your Assurance Dependable?

© 2018 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Recently, I was conversing with a Christian brother by email.  He referenced the chapter from which the following passage is quoted.

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” (2 Thessalonians 2:1‑3)

Earlier in this letter, Paul had commended the Thessalonian Christians for endurance under great persecution.  Apparently, deceitful preachers were promising them that Christ was about to immediately return and deliver them from persecution.  Some had even falsely sent letters in Paul’s name teaching this.  Paul explained that Christ’s return, though certain, would not happen immediately.  Such false promises only play into the hands of mockers.  Peter, in his letter quoted such mockers as saying:

“… Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:4)

Paul did not want the Thessalonians “shaken in mind” by false and unfulfilled promises of immediate deliverance.  Instead, he tells them to expect increased persecution.  He gives them assurance that Christ’s  strength shall uphold them during persecution.

Scripture describes periods of persecution and tribulation.  Regarding the tribulation, I’ve heard preachers seek to provide assurance to their congregations.  They tell them not to fear because the Lord will have already taken them home.  However, this assurance does nothing to prepare them for the incredibly intense persecutions leading up to the tribulation.

God’s assurance of ultimate deliverance belongs only to those who are trusting God the Son, Jesus Christ.  He died and rose again to “…save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

At His chosen time He will come and gather us to Himself, forever.  But, in the mean time, we must trust His strength to endure persecution.  After His coming, Christians have assurance of eternal deliverance, but unrepentant persecutors have only the assurance of eternal punishment. (see 2 Thessalonians 1:6‑9).

What assurance do you have?

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